Mount Wilson Observatory Museum — Attraction in Contiguous United States

This was a awesome trail!!! I was able to clock in at 4hrs 45 mins but not easy. I took it from Chantry flat (sturtevant falls/hermit falls) to the observatory 15.2 miles back and forth.. It is considered a hard hike and i would put it in between moderate and hard. But for others and i saw a few people struggling up that part of the hike where it is steep for about 1.4 miles of that stretch where you may consider losing hope but if you find it within yourself you can get there.. take water ,hydrate!! snacks,stretching will definitely help when you're about to hit that stretch YOU WILL FEEL IT.. lol also take a swing before continuing at the camp site cause that joy of swigging will definitely wear off as soon as you continue.. lol I love this hike I will...

Mt. Wilson Observatory is one of the most historically significant observatories in United States. It is the birthplace of modern astrophysics. The grounds are open for exploration and many of the historic telescopes are open for viewing, often with a knowledgeable docent on hand.

Of special note is the Snow Solar Observatory, the second oldest in the world and still in operation with mostly original equipment from 1914. The docent at this telescope is fantastically well informed and enjoys showing off this amazing piece of history.

The Observatory in general is lightly visited so there is no fear of not being able to get it. One note is that a Forest Service Adventue Pass is required for parking but may be purchased at the Cafe adjacent ot the...

If you go early, you may not have to pay for parking.

There's not many cops up there to enforce it. Plus, seeing the museum only takes an hour tops.

The best parts of Mt. Wilson are the views!

If you go to the mountain at night, car camping is possible. I DID IT!

At night you can see thousands of stars because you are above the pollution and the mountain blocks the light from LA.

During the day, you get a "skydiver" view of LA. The only bad part about the views during the day is the smog.

I wanted to get some wide angle shots of the city... I did but it looks like something out of a post apocalyptic movie.

Worth the drive for those who...